For some, a morning routine is just the typical runway to an eight-hour workday: roll out of bed, grab a cup of coffee and hit the computer with a list of to-dos. But three health system CFOs are using the start to their day as a window that helps set the financial and strategic tone to ensure a productive day, blending quiet personal time and market intelligence before the number crunching begins.
Frank Pipas, CFO of West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas Health, begins each morning with a two-mile walk with his wife and dog. He then turns to news apps on his phone to catch up on the latest healthcare and finance trends and breaking news.
“I miss reading the morning paper,” he told Becker’s.
Mr. Pipas rounds off his morning by grabbing his favorite Starbucks drink and using Microsoft Copilot to provide his top three priorities of the day.
In Cleveland, University Hospitals CFO Bradley Bond arrives at the office early to catch up on the markets, review his daily and weekly calendars and check priorities and key meetings.
“I try to get all this done before 7:30 a.m., when the meetings begin and typically run all day,” Mr. Bond told Becker’s. “As for catching up on e-mails, that is done in the evening after the normal work day ends. I keep a list of the most important initiatives and meetings, thinking through the messages I need to deliver for the day and deadlines for which I need to hold my team accountable.”
Mr. Bond said his morning routine ensures he is prepared for proper communication and statements during his daily meetings and presentations. He tracks inflation indicators and participates in Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland discussions with regional employers, and conducts other research, to help outline new pressures that are on the horizon.
In Indianapolis, Jenni Alvey, CFO of Indiana University Health, also uses her mornings productively.
Ms. Alvey turns to Alexa for a financial market overview along with national and global news. She then scans her inbox for media flags, watching outlets, including Becker’s Hospital Review, to stay informed on local and national healthcare developments.
“My day truly begins with a prepared packet — complete with my calendar and all necessary materials — thanks to my outstanding executive assistant, who organizes everything based on our recent planning sessions,” Ms. Alvey told Becker’s. “On my commute, I often take a couple of calls to address any pressing matters from the previous day. By the time I arrive at the office, I’m well-prepared to tackle whatever comes my way.”
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